International Code Council Participates at COP28 to Advance Building Solutions for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation

Earlier this month, the International Code Council joined global stakeholders participating in the UN Global Climate Change Conference (COP28) for the third consecutive year to advance building solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

At this year’s conference, the International Code Council, an accredited observer organization, had privileged access to both negotiating sessions and activities involving “non-state actors” which encompass sub-national government entities, non-governmental organizations, businesses and civil society organizations.

Over the past three years, the global building and construction sector’s role in the annual conferences has increased significantly, and this year culminated in the launch of the Buildings Breakthrough on December 6, 2023.

The Buildings Breakthrough: Adopting Sustainable and Resilient Buildings

The Buildings Breakthrough is a cross-sectoral campaign to support governments in the universal adoption and implementation of near-zero emission and resilient buildings by 2030. It is supported by 19 private sector-led initiatives, including the Building Capacity for Sustainable and Resilient Buildings Initiative led by the International Code Council.

In the lead-up to COP28, and in anticipation of the Buildings Breakthrough, the International Code Council released a new brief, Building Codes and the International Breakthrough Agenda to highlight the important role of building codes and their effective enforcement in achieving the goals set by the Buildings Breakthrough.

At COP28, a total of 28 countries joined as signatories to the Buildings Breakthrough.

Following the Buildings Breakthrough, the Buildings and Climate Global Forum, scheduled for March 7-8, 2024, in Paris, will serve as a convening of the construction ministers (or equivalent for countries like the U.S. without a construction ministry). As an initiative sponsor and a leader of one of the main action areas of the Buildings Breakthrough, the International Code Council is slated for active participation and leadership in the activities surrounding this ministerial meeting.

Importance of Decarbonizing the Built Environment

In addition to supporting the Buildings Breakthrough at COP28, the International Code Council was featured in ten panel discussions focused on addressing climate mitigation and adaptation of the built environment in response to increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more frequent and severe weather hazards.

Highlights included a panel discussion about climate challenges in urban development and real estate sustainability alongside U.S. Council on Environmental Quality Chair Dr. Brenda Mallory; and the presentation of the ICC Global Award to the Pakistan Engineering Council followed by a panel discussion about decarbonizing the built environment moderated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Marisa Lago.

The buildings and construction sector contribute to approximately 40 percent of global GHG emissions. Therefore, countries must address climate mitigation within this sector to achieve their emissions reduction commitments outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions pledged under the Paris Climate Agreement. Additionally, because 50 percent of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have not yet been built – primarily in the heavily urbanizing regions of Africa and Asia – it is essential to consider both mitigation and resilience in all new buildings.

The implementation of retrofits based on the latest building science and reinforced by robust, right-sized and enforceable building codes, is essential for ensuring resilience to future hazard conditions in existing buildings. The International Code Council family of solutions encompasses all these elements of building safety, complemented by a comprehensive building safety ecosystem that facilitates effective enforcement.

Participation in global events such as COP28 and the Buildings and Climate Global Forum enables jurisdictions around the world to access these solutions and to learn from best practices.  

An overview of the International Code Council’s activities at COP28 and prior COP meetings, along with session recordings, is available here.